Inflammation, swelling, and pain in your gums could be a sign of periodontal disease. While gum disease is exceedingly common, people often fail to notice the symptoms. No matter whether you are dealing with early signs of inflammation or have extreme symptoms like exposed tooth roots, you should see a King of Prussia periodontics specialist at the earliest. Here’s what you need to know about periodontal disease.
Initial consultation
When you see a dentist or a periodontist for your symptoms, they will do a thorough exam to determine the possible causes. In many cases, swelling in the gums could be related to a deep infection inside a tooth, and your dentist may need to do root canal therapy to address the concern. Make sure you share everything about your oral hygiene habits and other conditions that you may have.
Common treatments for periodontal disease
The first signs of gum disease are called gingivitis, and it is usually reversible. Your dentist will develop a treatment plan that focuses on healing. Some of the common treatments for periodontal disease include –
- Deep cleaning: Besides cleaning the teeth and gums, your dentist may use antibiotic products to prevent the further growth of bacteria. They may even recommend that you go for deep cleaning at least once a year, depending on the symptoms.
- Root Scaling and Planing: If you have tartar built-up around the root surfaces of your teeth, they may recommend scaling, which relies on tools to get rid of debris. Root scaling and planing allow the gums to reattach to the root and prevent further bacterial growth.
- Pocket Reduction: For those who have advanced gum disease, it is common to find pockets containing bacterial growth beneath the gum line. If not treated, this could eventually lead to tooth loss. The treatment is a surgical procedure that reduces the pockets so that gums can reattach to the teeth. Typically, dentists rely on targeted antibiotic treatments for the same.
- Gum Grafting: Advanced periodontal disease may cause gum recession, which may expose the tooth roots and lead to infections, inflammation, and tooth loss. Gum grafting is the procedure of restoring the gum line and securing the teeth. The procedure is fairly simple and can be completed in just an appointment.
If you have signs of gum infection, including pain and bleeding while brushing and flossing, check with your dentist soon and discuss the best ways to avoid further complications. You can check online for local clinics in King of Prussia.